Jaipur: The proposed reappointment of retired IAS officer Shruti Bhardwaj as Managing Director of the Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation (RCDF) has reportedly reached the final stage. Although the government is said to be in favour of appointing her for another year, a technical issue concerning the financial and administrative powers that could be granted to a retired officer has delayed the final order.
According to administrative sources, the government is examining precedents from other states, particularly an Assam government order that granted a reappointed retired IAS officer full financial and administrative powers. With the local-body election Model Code of Conduct in force, the final decision may now come after the code is lifted.
Technical Hurdle Delays Appointment
Bhardwaj retired as RCDF Managing Director on August 31. Discussions about her reappointment for one year reportedly progressed through the government and Finance Department, with the proposed arrangement understood to involve payment after adjustment of pension.
However, before the final order could be issued, questions emerged over whether a retired IAS officer appointed on a contractual or reappointment basis could exercise the same financial and administrative powers associated with the RCDF Managing Director’s post.
The issue is significant because the MD’s responsibilities extend beyond routine administration and include important decisions relating to procurement, tenders, appointments, finances and policy implementation.
Assam Precedent Under Examination
The Rajasthan government is reportedly examining an Assam government personnel department order dated December 26, 2025, concerning the extension of the reappointment of retired IAS officer Munindra Sharma. The order reportedly specified that the officer would continue with full financial and administrative powers.
The Assam precedent could provide Rajasthan with a framework to address the powers issue while drafting Bhardwaj’s proposed reappointment order.
Focus on Post-Code Decision
With the local-body election Model Code of Conduct currently in effect, officials are exercising caution over major administrative decisions. Consequently, attention has shifted to the period immediately after the code is lifted.
If the government proceeds with the proposal, the new order could not only specify Bhardwaj’s one-year tenure but also clearly define the financial and administrative authority attached to the position.
Why RCDF Needs Clarity
RCDF is working on plans involving increased milk procurement, expansion of processing capacity and the wider expansion of the Saras brand. A prolonged vacancy or uncertainty over the federation’s top executive position could affect administrative continuity.
The government therefore faces two broad options: reappoint Bhardwaj with clearly defined powers or place another officer in charge of RCDF.
For now, administrative discussions suggest that Bhardwaj’s return remains a strong possibility, but the final word will come only with the government order. The most closely watched part of that order may not be her appointment itself, but the extent of financial and administrative powers granted to her.
The developments have also generated discussion in administrative circles over why the government is exploring a special arrangement for a particular retired officer. Any final order will therefore be closely scrutinised for its legal basis, service conditions and delegation of powers.
